How are tick strips installed in a beehive? - briefly
Tick strips are affixed to the interior walls of the brood chamber, typically using a thin wire or a gentle adhesive to keep them flat against the comb. The strip is inserted before the frames are positioned, ensuring it does not impede the queen’s movement.
How are tick strips installed in a beehive? - in detail
Tick strips, also known as propolis or mite‑control strips, are placed inside a Langstroth or similar hive to combat Varroa destructor and other pests. Proper installation follows a precise sequence to ensure effectiveness and avoid harming the colony.
First, select the appropriate strip size for the hive depth (e.g., 1‑inch wide for deep boxes, ½‑inch for medium boxes). Trim the strip if necessary, keeping the active surface exposed.
Next, open the hive by removing the outer cover and inner lid. Inspect frames for brood patterns and honey stores; avoid disturbing heavily capped brood.
Place the strip on a frame designated for treatment, typically a spare frame without brood. Position the strip against the inner side of the frame, ensuring the adhesive side contacts the wood. If the strip includes a plastic backing, attach it with the provided double‑sided tape, aligning it parallel to the frame’s long edge.
Secure the strip with two or three thin nails or staples, spaced evenly to prevent movement. Do not pierce the strip’s active surface; drive fasteners through the backing only.
Re‑insert the treated frame into the hive, preferably in the middle of the stack to maximize exposure to bees as they circulate. Close the inner lid and outer cover, then monitor the colony for normal activity.
Repeat the installation in each box of a multi‑story hive, maintaining a minimum of one treated frame per box. After a 7‑ to 10‑day exposure period, remove the strips, dispose of them according to local regulations, and replace with fresh ones if a subsequent treatment cycle is required.
Key considerations:
- Use only strips approved for beekeeping; avoid products containing harmful chemicals.
- Maintain a gap of at least 1 cm between the strip and brood cells to prevent direct contact.
- Record the date of installation and removal for future reference and compliance with treatment schedules.